We have been looking for a while but
have finally found a training truck that was used to train aerial gunner's in
WWII. This truck was made by Chevrolet and is a basic 1 1/2 ton closed cab that
had a special frame and deck assembly installed on the back. This frame was
originally made to accommodate one of three different actual aircraft turrets,
namely the Martin upper, Sperry upper and the Bendix upper turrets.

Photos of these turret trucks in use
during the war show many different types of turrets were installed from the
Crocker Wheeler A-8 training turret to the Sperry ball turret with 30 cal guns
installed. Some turrets also had a 12 gage shotgun instead of a machine guns.

Just click on a thumbnail to see a larger
image

Our turret truck was heavily modified for
farm use and will need a lot of work to get her back into her original
condition. Here is what she looked like in the farmers field.

With the big diesel engine, pump and tank
removed she is on her way back to looking like she did in WWII. The farmer that
sold it to me was amazed that I didn't want the diesel engine or the pump and
tank. What would I want with a worn down beat up old Army truck. I think my
wife, friends and the airport manager all wonder the same thing. Here she is on
the trailer when she arrived back at the shop.

Inside the cab and on the rear
bumperettes were these markings; LV 613. Since these markings are on top of the
original OD green paint I believe that they may be markings from the base where
she was stationed. My laymen's interpretation of these markings makes me think
that this truck could have been from the Las Vegas Gunnery School in Las Vegas,
Nevada which is now Nellis Air Force Base. I am in search of any photos of
turret trucks, turret training but especially turret trucks used at Las Vegas
Gunnery School. If you have any information or photos please let me know. I hope
to find pictures of similar markings on Las Vegas trucks to verify this theory.

HELP
NEEDED!

Your help with this project is needed. If
you know of any other trucks like this please let me know. I am planning on
fabricating the rear turret structure but if you know where I can find any
original components I would appreciate the help tracking them down.

We are also looking for aircraft turrets
and parts. We need Sperry upper turret parts for the truck above as well as
turret domes and everything else for aircraft turrets. Our museum has one of the
largest collections of aircraft turrets on display and if you know of anything
that can make this collection more complete please call or e-mail!

Thank you in advance for your help!

TO ALL OF OUR
COUNTRY'S VETERANS, WE HERE AT VINTAGE AIRCRAFT WOULD LIKE TO SAY: